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VILLAGERS were united in their opposition to a revised 40-house scheme for Arreton at a packed public meeting on Wednesday.

The revised planning application for to develop land at Hazely Combe was submitted by Laurie Calloway to the Isle of Wight Council in December.

His previous application to build 89 homes, submitted to planners a year ago, had sparked fierce opposition and it was subsequently refused.

The only changes to the revised plans are the numbers of homes in question — 35 houses and five bungalows, ranging from one bedroomed to five-bedroomed properties.

"The issues remain the same — nothing has changed," said Pat Prince, of Main Road, Arreton, at the meeting of Arreton Parish Council, held at the village community centre.

"The properties are awful in design, all in a cramped area and there is a flood risk with the worsening weather we’ve been having in recent times. Forty properties is too many. Let’s get this stopped."

A letter written by Mr Calloway, who is currently abroad, was read at the meeting.

He said he hoped the application would get a fair airing and would be positively received.

John Langley, chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said Arreton did not have the amenities to cater for so many extra residents.

Councillors, all resident in Arreton, unanimously rejected the plan.

Parish council chairman, Cllr Mick Thirkettle, stressed issues with drainage and sewage management from the proposed site and a lack of demand for larger properties in the village were also material considerations to oppose the plans.